Archibald Davidson
Encyclopedia
Archibald Davidson was a Scottish Minister, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
and Principal of Glasgow University.
in 1752. Later that year (in November) we find him writing home from Göttingen University to William Cullen
, a Professor at Glasgow University. He writes with a fluid confident style, has had conversations with the German professors and promises his friend a good German dictionary, if he can find one. He is in the company of young Scottish gentlemen and noblemen, and his future career would depend on good connections and the Patronage they would offer.
Six years later, he was presented by the Commissioner for William, Earl of Dundonald
, who had electoral interests in the area, to Paisley High Kirk as 2nd Charge Minister, where he was ordained on 7 September 1758. He remained there for three years, and represented the Presbytery in the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
in 1760.The following year, 1761, he transferred to the nearby Parish of Inchinnan
. He was presented by the Patron
and major Heritor
, John Campbell of Blythswood
, (who also had electoral interests in the area) on 17 December 1760, but was not able to take up post until 20 October 1761, .suggesting he was opposed by some members of the Kirk Session
(a not uncommon occurrence).
While Minister of Inchinnan, he took part in agitation in response to the granting to Roman Catholicsof some relief from legal restrictions under which they suffered at the time. He signed a proclamation in Glasgow newspapers, in the name of the Minister, Elders and Heads of Families of the Parish of Inchinnan, denouncing "the unchristian spirit and savage cruelties of Popery", declaring that "we desire to see no Papist
suffering ... for conscience sake, nor for his speculative opinions, however absurd or erroneous, while he lives quietly and inoffensively, and does not attempt in any manner of way to seduce or pervert others". However, they would not submit to allowing Popish
priests, "ever zealous and artful ... to teach and preach openly, and with impunity, in a Protestant country" They threatened to "use every legal and constitutional measure in our power" to make sure it did not happen. This was part of widespread opposition, including the Gordon Riots
of the following year, but the Relief Act
had already been passed in Parliament. Davidson signed the Proclamation, along with "Masons".
While in Inchinnan, Archibald married Grizell Scott, daughter of his (deceased) colleague in Paisley High Kirk, the Reverend Peter Scott. Their proclamation of intention to marry was published on 17 July 1767 and from the marriage resulted sons Robert (1768), John Peter (1770) , Andrew (1773) and daughters Ann (1771), Barbara (1775) and Elizabeth (177?)
that same year, but there is no trace of any previous academic post. The Principalship was regarded as lucrative - a stipend of £600 - but with only honorific duties. However, it involved complex political manoverings around the other Patronage appointments to Professors posts in the University.Davidson was regarded as perfectly "safe". One success was getting his son, the non-descript Robert Davidson, appointed Regius Professor of Civil Law at the University...In 1787, Adam Smith
wrote to Principal Davidson, accepting the post of Lord Rector of the University..
. This was the Centenary year of the so-called Glorious Revolution
, which had, the Church, believed, restored the Church of Scotland to its just rights and privileges, and re-established Presbyterian order
. The King in his letter to them, asked them to avoid any "disputes and unnecessary and unbecoming discussions" (Principal Acts, page 5) and in response the Assembly wanted "to embrace every opportunity of testifying the ardent zeal which we feel for the support of Your Majesty's Government and Royal person". It thanked the King for delivering the nation from the threat of war, securing the independence of "a neighbouring Protestant country", and re-establishing an old alliance with it. This was the United Provinces
from which William of Orange
had invaded England in 1688, so the Assembly asked the King to take the opportunity to commemorate "the Revolution of 1688 which delivered us from Popery and arbitrary power." They themselves passed "An Act Appointing a National Thanksgiving in Commemoration of the Revolution in 1688" which had "delivered the Nation from Civil and Religious Oppression, set proper bounds to the Royal Prerogative, secured the Liberties and just Rights of the People, and confirmed to this National Church all the Religious Rights and Privileges which it now enjoys under the illustrious House of Hanover" The 5th November was to be a day of Solemn Thanksgiving, which was to be announced from the pulpit the Sabbath before with "suitable Exhortations". A thousand copies of the Act were printed and sent to every Parish.
Meanwhile, the King had, as normal, awarded the Assembly £1000 for promoting the Protestant religion (and loyalty) in the Highlands and Islands. They set up a commission "for promoting the knowledge of true religion, suppressing Popery and profaneness ... (having) particular regard to such parishes in South Uist, Small Isles, Glenco, Harris, the countries of Moidart, Glengary and the other parishes of the Synods Glenelg and Argyle ... (affected) by the prevalency of Popery and ignorance". Missionaries were to be sent, who would be persons of "undoubted loyalty to his Majesty and of competent skills in the principles of Divinity, and particularly in Popish controversies" (p13) and they were to "teach the principles and duties of the true Christian Protestant religion, and the obligations they are under to duty and loyalty to our Sovereign King George, and obedience to the laws". This Committee was empowered to call on the Government for help, if need be. This was an annual commission, as were other commissions to "enquire into the publishing of books and pamphlets, tending towards the promoting of opinions of any kind , inconsistent with our Confession of Faith
", and it was to contribute what it could to the suppression of vice and immorality. There were detailed rules to make sure the missionaries would only be paid if they actually did some missionary work. (p23). Similarly, it considered proposals to avoid people unconnected with a Parish being ordained Elders there, as well as stringent rules for making sure only fit and proper persons were licensed to preach the Gospel, and even more stringent rules for the training of Ministers (six years post -aster of Arts (Scotland)|M.A. study in Philosophy and then had to pass a number of tests - producing an exegesis
in Latin on a contested topic in Divinity
, a homily
in English and a "popular sermon". At end Presbytery should check that the student was over 21, sober, and "well affected to the happy establishment in this Kingdom, both in Church and State" (p 28) with sufficient knowledge in the Greek and Latin Languages (and, often, Hebrew), and in Philosophy and Theology).
The Assembly agreed to declare their abhorrence of the slave trade (page 40) and their earnest wish the Legislature would do something about it, but rejected a motion to petition the House of Commons on the subject. They set up a committee to examine how new taxes on horses and other taxes would affect clergy. A petition from a congregation in the city of St John in New Brunswick
was accepted as a Parish of the Church of Scotland.
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
The Moderator of the General Assembly of Church of Scotland is a Minister, Elder or Deacon of the Church of Scotland chosen to "moderate" the annual General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which is held for a week in Edinburgh every May....
and Principal of Glasgow University.
Life
Not a great deal is known about his early life, but he seems to have been born about 1732.He attended Glasgow University where he graduated M.A.Master of Arts (Scotland)
A Master of Arts in Scotland can refer to an undergraduate academic degree in humanities and social sciences awarded by the ancient universities of Scotland – the University of St Andrews, the University of Glasgow, the University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh, while the University of...
in 1752. Later that year (in November) we find him writing home from Göttingen University to William Cullen
William Cullen
William Cullen FRS FRSE FRCPE FPSG was a Scottish physician, chemist and agriculturalist, and one of the most important professors at the Edinburgh Medical School, during its heyday as the leading center of medical education in the English-speaking world.Cullen was also a central figure in the...
, a Professor at Glasgow University. He writes with a fluid confident style, has had conversations with the German professors and promises his friend a good German dictionary, if he can find one. He is in the company of young Scottish gentlemen and noblemen, and his future career would depend on good connections and the Patronage they would offer.
Six years later, he was presented by the Commissioner for William, Earl of Dundonald
Earl of Dundonald
Earl of Dundonald is a title in the Peerage of Scotland.The Earldom was created in 1669 for the Scottish soldier and politician William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald, along with the subsidiary title of Lord Cochrane of Paisley and Ochiltree, with remainder to his heirs male, failing which to his...
, who had electoral interests in the area, to Paisley High Kirk as 2nd Charge Minister, where he was ordained on 7 September 1758. He remained there for three years, and represented the Presbytery in the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is the sovereign and highest court of the Church of Scotland, and is thus the Church's governing body[1] An Introduction to Practice and Procedure in the Church of Scotland, A Gordon McGillivray, 2nd Edition .-Church courts:As a Presbyterian church,...
in 1760.The following year, 1761, he transferred to the nearby Parish of Inchinnan
Inchinnan
Inchinnan is a small village in Renfrewshire, Scotland. The village is located on the main A8 road between Renfrew and Greenock, just southeast of the town of Erskine.-History:...
. He was presented by the Patron
Patronage
Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another. In the history of art, arts patronage refers to the support that kings or popes have provided to musicians, painters, and sculptors...
and major Heritor
Heritor
Heritor, was a privileged person in a Parish in Scots Law. In its original acceptation, it signified the proprietor of an heritable subject, but, in the law relating to Parish government, the term was confined to such proprietors of lands or houses as were liable, as written in their title deeds,...
, John Campbell of Blythswood
Baron Blythswood
Baron Blythswood, in the County of Renfrew, was a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created on 24 August 1892 for Sir Archibald Campbell, 1st Baronet, the former Member of Parliament for Renfrew, with remainder failing heirs male of his own to five of his younger brothers and the...
, (who also had electoral interests in the area) on 17 December 1760, but was not able to take up post until 20 October 1761, .suggesting he was opposed by some members of the Kirk Session
Session (Presbyterian)
A Session is a body of elected elders governing each local church within the Presbyterian polity....
(a not uncommon occurrence).
While Minister of Inchinnan, he took part in agitation in response to the granting to Roman Catholicsof some relief from legal restrictions under which they suffered at the time. He signed a proclamation in Glasgow newspapers, in the name of the Minister, Elders and Heads of Families of the Parish of Inchinnan, denouncing "the unchristian spirit and savage cruelties of Popery", declaring that "we desire to see no Papist
Papist
Papist is a term or an anti-Catholic slur, referring to the Roman Catholic Church, its teachings, practices, or adherents. The term was coined during the English Reformation to denote a person whose loyalties were to the Pope, rather than to the Church of England...
suffering ... for conscience sake, nor for his speculative opinions, however absurd or erroneous, while he lives quietly and inoffensively, and does not attempt in any manner of way to seduce or pervert others". However, they would not submit to allowing Popish
Papist
Papist is a term or an anti-Catholic slur, referring to the Roman Catholic Church, its teachings, practices, or adherents. The term was coined during the English Reformation to denote a person whose loyalties were to the Pope, rather than to the Church of England...
priests, "ever zealous and artful ... to teach and preach openly, and with impunity, in a Protestant country" They threatened to "use every legal and constitutional measure in our power" to make sure it did not happen. This was part of widespread opposition, including the Gordon Riots
Gordon Riots
The Gordon Riots of 1780 were an anti-Catholic protest against the Papists Act 1778.The Popery Act 1698 had imposed a number of penalties and disabilities on Roman Catholics in England; the 1778 act eliminated some of these. An initial peaceful protest led on to widespread rioting and looting and...
of the following year, but the Relief Act
Papists Act 1778
The Papists Act 1778 is an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain and was the first Act for Catholic Relief. Later in 1778 It was also enacted by the Irish parliament....
had already been passed in Parliament. Davidson signed the Proclamation, along with "Masons".
While in Inchinnan, Archibald married Grizell Scott, daughter of his (deceased) colleague in Paisley High Kirk, the Reverend Peter Scott. Their proclamation of intention to marry was published on 17 July 1767 and from the marriage resulted sons Robert (1768), John Peter (1770) , Andrew (1773) and daughters Ann (1771), Barbara (1775) and Elizabeth (177?)
Principal of Glasgow University
After twenty five years at Inchinnan, Archibald Davidson became Principal of Glasgow University. This was a Crown appointment and he owed his appointment to his involvement with the political networks of Henry Dundas, the virtual ruler of Scotland (on behalf of the King). The post had been promised to his older brother, John Davidson, who had become too enfeebled to take up the chair, and Dundas honoured the promise by giving it to the younger brother, passing over the favourite candidate of the Professors at the time.. The University made Davidson a Doctor of DivinityDoctor of Divinity
Doctor of Divinity is an advanced academic degree in divinity. Historically, it identified one who had been licensed by a university to teach Christian theology or related religious subjects....
that same year, but there is no trace of any previous academic post. The Principalship was regarded as lucrative - a stipend of £600 - but with only honorific duties. However, it involved complex political manoverings around the other Patronage appointments to Professors posts in the University.Davidson was regarded as perfectly "safe". One success was getting his son, the non-descript Robert Davidson, appointed Regius Professor of Civil Law at the University...In 1787, Adam Smith
Adam Smith
Adam Smith was a Scottish social philosopher and a pioneer of political economy. One of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, Smith is the author of The Theory of Moral Sentiments and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations...
wrote to Principal Davidson, accepting the post of Lord Rector of the University..
Moderator of the General Assembly
In 1788, he was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of ScotlandModerator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
The Moderator of the General Assembly of Church of Scotland is a Minister, Elder or Deacon of the Church of Scotland chosen to "moderate" the annual General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which is held for a week in Edinburgh every May....
. This was the Centenary year of the so-called Glorious Revolution
Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution, also called the Revolution of 1688, is the overthrow of King James II of England by a union of English Parliamentarians with the Dutch stadtholder William III of Orange-Nassau...
, which had, the Church, believed, restored the Church of Scotland to its just rights and privileges, and re-established Presbyterian order
Presbyterian polity
Presbyterian polity is a method of church governance typified by the rule of assemblies of presbyters, or elders. Each local church is governed by a body of elected elders usually called the session or consistory, though other terms, such as church board, may apply...
. The King in his letter to them, asked them to avoid any "disputes and unnecessary and unbecoming discussions" (Principal Acts, page 5) and in response the Assembly wanted "to embrace every opportunity of testifying the ardent zeal which we feel for the support of Your Majesty's Government and Royal person". It thanked the King for delivering the nation from the threat of war, securing the independence of "a neighbouring Protestant country", and re-establishing an old alliance with it. This was the United Provinces
Dutch Republic
The Dutch Republic — officially known as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands , the Republic of the United Netherlands, or the Republic of the Seven United Provinces — was a republic in Europe existing from 1581 to 1795, preceding the Batavian Republic and ultimately...
from which William of Orange
William of Orange
William of Orange usually refers to either:*William the Silent, William I, , Prince of Orange, founder of the House Orange-Nassau and the Netherlands as a state...
had invaded England in 1688, so the Assembly asked the King to take the opportunity to commemorate "the Revolution of 1688 which delivered us from Popery and arbitrary power." They themselves passed "An Act Appointing a National Thanksgiving in Commemoration of the Revolution in 1688" which had "delivered the Nation from Civil and Religious Oppression, set proper bounds to the Royal Prerogative, secured the Liberties and just Rights of the People, and confirmed to this National Church all the Religious Rights and Privileges which it now enjoys under the illustrious House of Hanover" The 5th November was to be a day of Solemn Thanksgiving, which was to be announced from the pulpit the Sabbath before with "suitable Exhortations". A thousand copies of the Act were printed and sent to every Parish.
Meanwhile, the King had, as normal, awarded the Assembly £1000 for promoting the Protestant religion (and loyalty) in the Highlands and Islands. They set up a commission "for promoting the knowledge of true religion, suppressing Popery and profaneness ... (having) particular regard to such parishes in South Uist, Small Isles, Glenco, Harris, the countries of Moidart, Glengary and the other parishes of the Synods Glenelg and Argyle ... (affected) by the prevalency of Popery and ignorance". Missionaries were to be sent, who would be persons of "undoubted loyalty to his Majesty and of competent skills in the principles of Divinity, and particularly in Popish controversies" (p13) and they were to "teach the principles and duties of the true Christian Protestant religion, and the obligations they are under to duty and loyalty to our Sovereign King George, and obedience to the laws". This Committee was empowered to call on the Government for help, if need be. This was an annual commission, as were other commissions to "enquire into the publishing of books and pamphlets, tending towards the promoting of opinions of any kind , inconsistent with our Confession of Faith
Westminster Confession of Faith
The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith, in the Calvinist theological tradition. Although drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly, largely of the Church of England, it became and remains the 'subordinate standard' of doctrine in the Church of Scotland, and has been...
", and it was to contribute what it could to the suppression of vice and immorality. There were detailed rules to make sure the missionaries would only be paid if they actually did some missionary work. (p23). Similarly, it considered proposals to avoid people unconnected with a Parish being ordained Elders there, as well as stringent rules for making sure only fit and proper persons were licensed to preach the Gospel, and even more stringent rules for the training of Ministers (six years post -aster of Arts (Scotland)|M.A. study in Philosophy and then had to pass a number of tests - producing an exegesis
Exegesis
Exegesis is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a religious text. Traditionally the term was used primarily for exegesis of the Bible; however, in contemporary usage it has broadened to mean a critical explanation of any text, and the term "Biblical exegesis" is used...
in Latin on a contested topic in Divinity
Divinity
Divinity and divine are broadly applied but loosely defined terms, used variously within different faiths and belief systems — and even by different individuals within a given faith — to refer to some transcendent or transcendental power or deity, or its attributes or manifestations in...
, a homily
Homily
A homily is a commentary that follows a reading of scripture. In Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox Churches, a homily is usually given during Mass at the end of the Liturgy of the Word...
in English and a "popular sermon". At end Presbytery should check that the student was over 21, sober, and "well affected to the happy establishment in this Kingdom, both in Church and State" (p 28) with sufficient knowledge in the Greek and Latin Languages (and, often, Hebrew), and in Philosophy and Theology).
The Assembly agreed to declare their abhorrence of the slave trade (page 40) and their earnest wish the Legislature would do something about it, but rejected a motion to petition the House of Commons on the subject. They set up a committee to examine how new taxes on horses and other taxes would affect clergy. A petition from a congregation in the city of St John in New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
was accepted as a Parish of the Church of Scotland.
Sources
- Scotland's Opposition to the Popish Bill, Printed by David Paterson, Glasgow 1780 http://books.google.co.uk/booksid=dzBOAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA214&dq=davidson+inchinnan&ei=15scTZfxMtCYUOTemcQM&cd=6#v=onepage&q=davidson%20inchinnan&f=false
- The Principal Acts of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, George Mosman Edinburgh, 1781http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=PLMKAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA7-PA52&dq=Principal+Acts+of+the+General+Assembly+1788&ei=e1YfTcHgLoO4yQSFl6zNDw&cd=1#v=onepage&q=Archibald%20Davidson&f=false
- The Scots Magazine, Volume 47 J Murray Edinburgh 1785http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=yFwAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA624&dq=Principal+Archibald+Davidson,+Glasgow+University&ei=IokbTbXKGY_bUM7k2OYB&cd=9#v=onepage&q=Principal%20Archibald%20Davidson%2C%20Glasgow%20University&f=false
- The Edinburgh Magazine, or Literary Miscellany Vol VII J Murray Edinburgh 1788 http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=anQEAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA390-IA15&dq=principal+archibald+davidson,+glasgow+university&lr=&ei=J44bTYaEG4rgUJ240P8E&cd=19#v=onepage&q=principal%20archibald%20davidson%2C%20glasgow%20university&f=false
- Thomson, John An account of the life, lectures and writings of William Cullen Blackwood Edinburgh 1832 http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=F0EBAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA590&dq=principal+archibald+davidson,+glasgow+university&lr=&ei=J44bTYaEG4rgUJ240P8E&cd=15#v=onepage&q=principal%20archibald%20davidson%2C%20glasgow%20university&f=false
- Scott, Hew Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae New Edition Vol III Oliver and Boyd Edinburgh 1920 http://www.archive.org/details/fastiecclesiasco03scotuoft
- Smith, Adam The Correspondence of Adam Smith Oxford University Press 1987 http://books.google.co.uk/booksid=NFoubpls2NIC&pg=PA308&dq=Principal+Archibald+Davidson,+Glasgow+University&ei=h4wbTaeBDou0ygSbj7HBDw&cd=1#v=onepage&q=Principal%20Archibald%20Davidson%2C%20Glasgow%20University&f=false
- Heizer, Ruth Bradfute Bradfute beginnings: the story of the ancestors and descendants of Robert Bradfute, (1749-1816?) of Scotland and Virginia Gateway Press 1988http://books.google.co.uk/booksid=wSw3AAAAMAAJ&q=Principal+Archibald+Davidson,+Glasgow+University&dq=Principal+Archibald+Davidson,+Glasgow+University&ei=IokbTbXKGY_bUM7k2OYB&cd=2
- Emerson, Roger L Academic Patronage in the Scottish Enlightenment: Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities Edinburgh University Press 2007 http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lBgq1_LgvJEC&pg=PA199&dq=Dr+Taylor+Principal+Glasgow+University&hl=en&ei=zjUTTYf-L4GKhQfBxq23Dg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CEsQ6AEwCDhQ#v=snippet&q=Davidson&f=false
- Hook, Andrew & Sher, Richard B The Glasgow Enlightenment Eighteenth Century Scottish Studies Society 1995 http://books.google.co.uk/booksid=NFoubpls2NIC&pg=PA308&dq=Principal+Archibald+Davidson,+Glasgow+University&ei=h4wbTaeBDou0ygSbj7HBDw&cd=1#v=onepage&q=Principal%20Archibald%20Davidson%2C%20Glasgow%20University&f=false
- University of Glasgow Website - The University of Glasgow Story - Browse Graduates http://www.universitystory.gla.ac.uk/browsegraduates/submit=y>=1&name=Archibald+Davidson&gyear=1752&country=&gender=0°ree=